THE Peugeot 508 RXH is a diesel-electric hybrid with in-your-face styling that suggests it takes its anti-pollution goal seriously.

The exterior is eye-catching while the clever technology under this estate's skin proves it is not just a pretty face.

The car has a strong road presence with its distinctive day time running lights giving an impression of three vertical ‘lion claws' on each side of the striking grille design.

It is wider with a higher ride height than a normal 508 giving it a purposeful stance on the impossible-to-miss 18-inch alloy wheels.

Step into the spacious cabin, hit the push-button ignition and you access a turbo-diesel power unit and electric motor.

They basically divide the drive between front and rear wheels as decided by an on-board computer. The 163bhp oil burner powers the front wheels while a 37bhp electric motor drives the rear. It allows the car to operate with four-wheel drive, or just as an electric vehicle, or as a front-wheel drive diesel.

The hybrid estate glides out of the drive without a peep before the diesel engine kicks in as the speed increases. The electronic transmission can be operated either manually via paddles on the steering wheel or in automatic mode. Gear changes are a little stilted but overall the 508 RXH is a pretty smooth operator.

Energy recovery is key to the whole fuel-saving equation with the regeneration system kicking in when you lift of the accelerator or begin to brake.

Peugeot's Hybrid4 technology - which only made its debut recently in the 3008 crossover SUV - ensures carbon dioxide emissions of just 107g/km and a claimed combined miles per gallon figure of 68.9 - although the digital read-out on the dashboard of the car I drove rarely got above 45.

The result of all this environmental friendliness is clear to see when it comes to company car drivers who will benefit from a low tax rate of just 12 per cent.

The interior is well put together with a quality fit and finish to all the seats and surfaces. The dashboard makes stylish use of brushed aluminium and is logically laid out with controls mounted on the steering wheel allowing easy control of things like the audio system and cruise control.

The cabin is light and airy thanks to a panoramic glass roof and it can accommodate five adults with an almost-flat floor helping the middle rear passenger get comfortable. The 560-litre boot will be more than adequate for the needs of most families while the rear bench splits and folds when more space is needed.

The RXH sits at the top of the 508 hierarchy so is impressively kitted out offering satellite navigation, a fancy head up display and a host of other goodies that, together with the hybrid gizmos, go some way to justifying the £30,000-plus price-tag.

The car boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating thanks to front, side and curtain airbags plus stability control and a host of other electronics to help keep you on the road.

This Peugeot hybrid will appeal to those buyers looking to reduce their impact on the environment without a trade-off that leaves them with a bland vehicle that is boring to drive.